Psychoanalysis is a set of psychological theories and methods of therapy founded by Sigmund Freud. It is a method of treating mental disorders that emphasizes unconscious mental processes and is sometimes described as “depth psychology” . Psychoanalysis is based on the theory that our present is shaped by our past, and that unacknowledged meaning of personal experiences can influence our current mood and behavior and contribute to problems with self-esteem, personality, relationships, and work.
Psychoanalysis therapy is a type of therapy that is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It promotes awareness of unconscious, unproductive, recurring patterns of emotion and behavior, allowing previously unconscious parts of oneself to come together to promote healing, healthy emotions and behavior, and creative expression. Psychoanalysis therapy is a close relationship, and the bonds that develop between the patient and the therapist are important.
Psychoanalysis is a specialty in psychology, and all psychoanalysts have a primary qualification in psychiatry, psychology, social work, or other health discipline. Well-qualified researchers, educators, and selected other professionals may also become psychoanalysts. Training standards for psychoanalysts are set by the International Psychoanalytical Association.
The basic method of psychoanalysis is interpretation of the patients unconscious thoughts, feelings, and desires. Psychoanalysis focuses on the influence of repressed impulses, internal conflicts, and childhood traumas and how they affect current behavior and relationships. Psychoanalytic concepts are also widely used outside the therapeutic arena, in areas such as psychoanalytic literary criticism and film criticism, analysis of fairy tales, philosophical perspectives such as Freudo-Marxism, and other cultural phenomena.
